Accommodation in Ireland - To Book Ahead or Not?

If I had a dollar for every time I have been asked whether it is necessary to book accommodation ahead in Ireland ... I would not be as rich as Donald Trump, but could afford a few nights in a very good hotel. Unfortunately my standard answer is a bit of a cop-out. "It all depends ..."

Accommodation in Ireland can be a hotel or a hostel, first class or barely bearable, central or remote, modern or of pre-famine vintage. And all can be fully booked even outside the season. Yet at the same time you might find last minute bargains or that extra-special charming location only by being in the right place at the right time. All of which leads me to suggest booking ahead if you need to stay in a particular location or at a special place. If you are free and flexible, especially if you are touring Ireland with a car, booking may still be advisable in July and August. But outside the main tourist season you might as well rely on pot luck.

By the way - I only ever once literally fled a B&B after the first night, checking into another establishment three miles down the road. And this was one of the few B&Bs I actually had booked ahead ... the website looked much nicer than the stay turned out!

Photo © 2009 Bernd Biege, licensed to About.com, Inc.